FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 7, 2001 Paul Gallant at (202) 418-2300
PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER GLORIA TRISTANI
REGARDING EEO RULES
On January 20, 2000, the FCC adopted EEO rules that directed broadcasters to select one of
two broad options for distributing information about job openings to potential minority applicants.
The options contained in the FCC’s EEO regulations were quite modest but would have ensured
that minorities would be afforded an equal opportunity to apply for jobs in the broadcast industry.
On January 16, 2001, the D.C. Court of Appeals struck down the FCC’s EEO rules, and on
June 19, 2001, a divided court denied a petition to rehear that case.
Earlier today, the Solicitor General, on behalf of the FCC, requested that the Supreme Court
grant an extension of time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari seeking review of the D.C.
Circuit’s decision. I would respectfully urge my colleagues at the FCC to support the filing of such
a petition with the Supreme Court. I hope today’s filing is an indication that they are moving in that
direction.
- FCC -
News media Information 202 / 418-0500
TTY 202 / 418-2555
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C. 20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).